The big day is almost upon us - flowers, chocolates, sickly sweet cards, forced romance, fancy dinner with the one you love, or a dateless evening which ends in polishing off a bottle of wine while scrolling through Facebook wondering how someone who is so hip could be so single. Whatever your Valentine's Day plans are, whether you want to treat yourself, or that special someone, there is no reason to break the bank. Here are a few low to no-cost Valentines Day plans to get you excited to be together or alone with your favorite person.
1. Cook a romantic meal ~ $8
Dinner doesn't have to be extravagant and expensive to be delicious and romantic. Light some candles, put on that mix-tape you've always wanted to show off, and get cooking. To me, the romantic cuisine is always going to be Italian - they say that French is the language of romance, but carbs are the way to any woman's heart, even if she pretends that she'd prefer the green side salad. Make some homemade pasta sauce, and spaghetti-it-up like Lady and The Tramp.
2. Take a walk to a lookout spot, or along the beach in the moonlight ~ under $10
If you're the active type, throw on your sexiest Lulus and grab a bottle of wine or two. Pack some snacks and a mini speaker and go for a long walk under the stars. You can do this with a partner, a friend, or alone if you're trying out a new "Into the Wild" self-exploration kind of thing. I suggest a Bon Iver binge, some Two-Buck-Chuck and chocolate covered almonds from Trader Joe's.
3. Intimate movie night ~ $6
This is a glorified Netflix and Chill. Get creative. Grab some sodas, a bag of buttery popcorn, and your laptop, and bundle up to watch a romantic movie. My favorite romantic movie is 10 Things I Hate About You - it's a little bit rock and roll, but sweet and a serious tearjerker.
4. Craft a clever scavenger hunt - $0
This requires you to be a couple, but scavenger hunts are a fun way to fill in time without spending any money! You can give your guy/gal clues which lead them round town, campus, or the house. By the end of the hunt, they will end up with you to enjoy the remainder of the evening.
5. Make the presents! - Between $0-10
This would be my dream-come-true, but alas, my boyfriend does not enjoy arts and crafts. This year, decide to make the presents with your special someone. Ideas could include anything from a mixtape, to a beautiful card, to a decorated picture frame for their bedroom.
Whatever you end up doing, enjoy treating and getting treated this Valentine's Day!
